Ye Shall Never Fail - Part 632

Until we all reach unity in the faith and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ, we are encouraged to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 4:13) Indeed, to Him be the glory both now and forever.

In the second epistle of Peter, Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ addressess the blessings that come with Jesus. Writing to those who have obtained precious faith through the righteousness of God, He encourages us saying, "Grace and peace be multiplied to you through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord according to His divine power as given unto us -- all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue." (II Peter 1:1-3)

In other words, we are being encouraged to press into Jesus whereby we "are given exceeding great and precious promises; that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue and to virtue knowledge, and to knowledge, temperance; and to temperance patience, and to patience godliness. And to godliness brotherly kindness and to brotherly kindness charity." (II Peter 1:4-7)

God was under no obligation to promise you and I anything. For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. But the same Father who created us in the beginning loved us enough to shed His precious blood on the cross so that our sins -- past, present and future -- could be forgiven once and for all.

"For if these things be in you and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." This is why we remain diligent --  to make our calling and election sure, "for if ye do these things, ye shall never fail." Read that again -- the scriptures state, "ye shall never fail." Collectively, these are the "precious promises" of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ. His assurance for us that we will be sustained through His grace.

The precious promise of our Lord that yes, we will be sustained through His grace. Not of ourselves but through Jesus who willingly died on a cross for us. Therefore, our hope is in Jesus. As such, cling to His promises. The blessed assurance of Jesus that He loves us. Receive His blessings. And remember, if the Lord God who created us promised to protect, support and rescue those under the old covenant, including Moses, Abraham, Jacob and Isaac, just think of how much more He has in the storehouses for those under the new covenant who accept that this same God would willingly shed His precious blood on a cross for our salvation.For you and I

We, who could never obtain salvation of ourselves might have an opportunity to become partakers in the grace and freedom of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ask Jesus into your heart today. Be diligent in dwelling in the peace of Jesus, without spot and blameless, so that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perishes -- though it be tried by fire -- might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. (I Peter 1:7)

Rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of His glory all the while recognizing beyond a shadow of a doubt that the long suffering of our Lord is salvation. Stand in the offering plate.